11:47 AM EDT, 05/06/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Etihad Airways would consider purchasing a small number of aircraft from Boeing ( BA ) and Airbus if delivery slots become available over the next five years, Reuters reported Monday, citing Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves.

The airline plans to expand its fleet to 150 narrow and wide-body aircraft from 80, with most new planes coming from existing orders while the remaining will be sourced from the leasing market or manufacturers, according to the report.

Etihad is engaged in talks with both lessors and planemakers to secure more units and prefers to acquire new aircraft from manufacturers through canceled or rescheduled delivery slots, Reuters said, citing Neves.

Boeing ( BA ), Airbus and Etihad did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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